Discover Mittersill: Nature, History and Architecture

Mittersill lies directly on the Salzach between Pass Thurn and Felbertauern. Its historical landmarks include Felberturm and its churches; its natural history is reflected in the formation of Hintersee and the distinctive features of Wasenmoos. The Hohe Tauern National Park Worlds in Mittersill add an immersive exhibition experience to these themes. This brings together architectural history, natural monuments, plant life and an exhibition visit to suit a variety of travel interests.

Natural History and Landscape

Hintersee was formed when a landslide triggered by the 1495 earthquake in the Hohe Tauern blocked the valley and dammed the lake. Its formation can be understood as a sequence of events: the earthquake triggered the landslide, which closed off the valley and dammed the water. This is distinct from the later protected status. In 1933, the Salzburg provincial government declared Hintersee and its surroundings a natural monument and placed both under legal protection. Schösswendklamm was declared a natural monument and legally protected in 1983 because of its distinctive character and beauty. While 1495 dates the formation of Hintersee, 1933 and 1983 mark protection decisions.

The Heidnische Kirche is an approximately 10 m-high block of central gneiss that rises out of a field of landslide debris. In 2006, following the completion of the first renaturation phase, a 2 km-long themed hiking trail and an observation pavilion with information materials opened in Wasenmoos. All three carnivorous plants native to Austria grow there: sundew, butterwort and bladderwort. These details open up different nature-related topics: geological formations, the history of a renaturation project and a specific range of plant life.

Towers, Churches and Art

Felberturm was built in the first half of the 12th century and served as a residential and defensive tower for the free noble lords of Velm. The newly redesigned Felberturm Museum reopened to visitors on 7 July 2021. The ground floor houses an exhibition on the historic packhorse trade. If you are planning a visit, check the current opening hours, as visitor arrangements may change.

Felberkirche is Mittersill’s oldest church and was originally built as the castle chapel of the lords of Felben, beside their residential tower. The similar-sounding names refer to different historical accounts: for Felberturm, the lords of Velm and its residential and defensive function are central; for Felberkirche, the lords of Felben and their castle chapel.

After the great market fire of 1746, Mittersill parish church was built by Johann Kleber between 1747 and 1749. Annakirche was built in 1751 by Kassian Singer in the Tyrolean Rococo style, on the site of the former parish church, which had been badly damaged in the fire. Its ceiling paintings by Christoph Anton Mayr, dating from 1753, depict the life of Saint Anne. The parish church’s pulpit was created in 1765 by local sculptor Peter Schmid. The sequence of dates distinguishes the rebuilding after the fire, the construction of Annakirche and the later artistic decoration.

National Park Worlds and Visitor Information

The Hohe Tauern National Park Worlds in Mittersill offer a multisensory journey through places, eras and realms that are otherwise inaccessible to people. This focus differs from the individual architectural and natural monuments: the emphasis here is on an immersive experience that connects places, times and otherwise inaccessible areas.

In 2026, the National Park Worlds are open daily: from May to October, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and from November to April, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Last admission is at 4:30 pm. As opening hours may change, check the times before your visit. The National Park Worlds can be reached by bus and train. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the train station and about 5 minutes from the “Mittersill Stadtplatz” bus stop. Check public transport connections again before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Uttendorf, Sankt Martin Bei Lofer, Taxenbach, Igelsberg, Aufhausen, Vorstanddorf, Dienten Am Hochkönig, Piesendorf

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